The Great Rann of Kutch or Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh in the Thar Desert in the Kutch District of Gujarat, India. It is reputed to be one of the largest salt deserts in the world. This area has been inhabited by the Kutchi people.
The Government of Gujarat hosts an annual 3 month long Rann Utsav festival from December to February every year near Dhordo village in the pristine white salt desert landscapes during winter where tourists can see the various sights of the Rann. Rann Utsav has cultural programs such as Camel show, adventure activities like hot-air ballooning, many stalls selling handicrafts, food, etc. as well as camel cart excursion, paramotoring, etc. During the festival 3 to 4-day events are also held at many other exotic locations around the larger Kutch area to expose tourists to the native culture and food, folk architecture, arts and crafts of the area, and folk dance and dance music events are held at several locations with a bonfire under the moon.
Rann Utsav gives visitors not only a chance to experience a full moon on salt deserts but also get a taste of the local culture, cuisine, and hospitality. Specially built local houses called Bhungas are also used to house tourists to give them a taste of local traditions.
|
